Peterborough United can confirm that Paul Gerrard has been appointed as the club’s new Goalkeeping Coach with Ali Uzunhasanoglu returning to his role within the Academy.
Gerrard worked with manager Darren Ferguson and assistant manager Kieran Scarff at Doncaster Rovers and the Posh boss is delighted to acquire his services and explained the reasoning for the change within the department.
“I worked with Paul at Doncaster, he is a very good coach and as a player he has a wealth of experience at a really good level. He has a wonderful work ethic and I am delighted that he has agreed to come on board.
“When the season ended, I analysed not just the players, but also my staff and there was a combination of two factors for the change. Firstly, the opportunity to work with Paul again was too good to turn down, I didn’t think it would ever arise, but having spoken to him, there was an opening that became available.
“Secondly, I feel that the Academy need two Goalkeeping coaches as opposed to just one because we are a Category Two Academy and all of that level of Academy have two. I feel that Ali going back to the Academy and controlling that us for alongside the younger coach (Harry Hogg) will be good in so many ways. Paul is excellent at his job, it is an important addition and I am looking forward to working with him again.”
Gerrard, who made over 350 appearances as a goalkeeper at a number of clubs including Oldham Athletic and Everton in the Premier League, has had an extensive coaching career and was previously with Carlisle United before his departure in the summer of 2023.
“I am really looking forward to the opportunity and to work with the manager again. It is a good time to come into the club, at the start of pre-season, to get to know the players and of course the goalkeepers we have at the club.
“I have actually worked with Jed Steer when I was at Doncaster Rovers, he joined us from Aston Villa and we spent some time together, so it nice to see a familiar face! It is about getting to know everyone else as quickly as I can! This is a good club and hopefully we can have a really positive season,” Gerrard said.
Academy Manager Dan Robinson commented: “As an Academy, we are delighted that Ali is rejoining us to head up our Goalkeeping department alongside Harry Hogg, who has done a great job over the last season.
“Having spoken to the first team manager, the opportunity for us to have an experienced coach and an up and coming coach within the department is only going to help the progress for our young goalkeepers and we are looking forward to seeing them develop.”